Tax sale now online

The Escambia County (Ala.) Commission approved an agreement with Gov Ease Auction that will allow Tax Collector Tim Pettis to hold his annual delinquent tax sale through an on-line auction instead of on the front steps of the courthouse.

Pettis said several counties have already opted for the auction, which will change it from a traditional tax sale to a lien sale of properties that are delinquent.

Pettis said the biggest change is that when properties are purchased through the lien sale, they will continue to be listed in the property owner's name. The sale will also not allow for bids above and beyond the price that includes the taxes, penalties, fees and advertising costs.

People who purchase properties through the auction will receive interest on those purchases and property owners will have three years to redeem their property.

He said more details and the date of the sale will be made available at a later date.